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ESPRESSO CD REVIEW | |
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"Jazz ‘N’ Samba" is a collection
of jazz standards recorded live. Many younger listeners were present
when this was recorded, and many of them had never heard these songs
before, so it must have been an interesting experience for the band to
see their reactions when they performed them. When I see a jazz
recording with all the standards I never fret that it will be the same
old thing. Invariably every group puts their own twist and spin on the
songs, so the music remains alive and perpetually improvisational. The main focus here was to present a
nice cross section of jazz with some spice and flair. Bossa Nova
standards by Jobim, like the title track "Jazz ‘N’ Samba", are given a
new meaning and perspective. I thought Monk’s "Straight No Chaser/Get
It Straight" was as smooth and cool as it gets for a jazz number. If
you aren’t tapping your feet to this music you had better check the
obituaries. Sandi Russell’s presence is very sturdy and genuinely
appreciated throughout this entire CD by this writer. Her bluesy jazz
inflected vocal dexterity and skillful guitar work keeps the rest of
the group on task, making them a tight-as-a-drum musical machine. And
that factor is very much in evidence with each song. The flute and saxophone playing of Kerry
Blount was notable, particularly on the closing track, which is a
lovely instrumental piece entitled "Little Sunflower" (Freddie
Hubbard). His flute is light and airy creating a decidedly heavenly
ambiance. Barbara Hilton is totally reliable and consistent on standup
acoustic bass; she does a great job keeping time with the newest member
Tom Rinaldi. I think it takes a special talent to be a drummer in a
jazz band, and Rinaldi is a welcome addition to the fold I am sure. So there you have it, straight jazz with
no chaser. You will get a full bodied brew that offers a dynamic blend
of genres that makes for a great listening experience that will have
you coming back for a refill time and time again. If you like your
espresso especially strong your taste buds will be dancing when you get
a taste of this.
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